Big Steppin' Michael Tonkin

It was announced that His Holiness (Caleb Thielbar, NOT MEAT RAFFLE) was placed on the bereavement list, due to the death of his grandmother. With a roster spot open, Terry Ryan and company have decided to give big Michael Tonkin a look. The twenty-three year old checks in at six foot seven and 220 pounds, he is a big kid who will have his first test to see if he has the big league stuff. Tonkin who has been grooming to be a closer as he has successfully converted 27 saves so far in his minor league career, with twelve of those saves coming this year between New Britain and Rochester. It is assumed in this organization that one day Tonkin would take away the closing duties from Glen Perkins. Tonkin has allowed just eight earned runs in thirty-eight innings this year in the minors, averaging 10.7 strikeouts per innings. Although on paper this seems like a temporary stay, if Tonkin starts to "wow" like he was doing in the minors, you can bet he'll be staying here for the future.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tonkin started season @ New Britain, up to Roch in May. Now bigs, and told &quot;pitch well, maybe you stay,&quot; according to AsGM Rob Antony.</p>&mdash; Phil Miller (@MillerStrib) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillerStrib/statuses/354696215323095042">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One last side note, Tonkin is the brother-in-law of former Twin, and now Diamondback Jason Kubel.